The Cottage at Secondhand Hearts

Located at the edge of the woods on our 36 acre ranch, the guest cottage is just down the lane from our critters: llamas, alpacas, potbellied pigs, horses, ponies and chickens. Not to mention, it sleeps four, boasts a well-supplied kitchen, comfortable patio, and dedicated work space. Whether you're looking for a relaxing farm stay, a quiet getaway at the edge of the woods, or just a spot to recharge for a few days, we've got you covered. Country quiet and just 20 minutes from Peoria. The space The cottage is at the edge of the property, down the lane from the main house, our two barns, and our pastures. Situated with a picture window overlooking oak savannah, guests have the perfect opportunity to view wildlife at the edge of the woods. Just up the driveway, pastures full of our beloved critters will entertain and delight. (Ever seen a potbellied pig grazing with llamas? You will…) Feel free to walk along the lane and take it all in. Most of our farm friends are rescued. We would be happy to tell you their stories if you see us around. We only ask that you not enter any pastures, go through any closed gates, or feed the critters (some of them have special diets, and we have to be careful). The cottage was originally built in the 1940s as a mother-in-law’s house and is decorated with vintage touches. The wood floors are original, as are the gorgeous, vintage doorknobs. The decor otherwise reflects the residents of the ranch, both wild and domestic. We want you to be cozy, comfortable, and relaxed. The living room is equipped with a Smart TV with guest mode—log into your streaming services and it will log you out automatically at the end of your stay—and an electric fireplace. There is a dedicated workspace with a chair and desk looking out on the patio. The primary bedroom is outfitted with a California King, Purple brand mattress, a memory foam topper, and Coop brand luxury sheets. The second bedroom holds a full bed (also with luxurious Coop sheets and mattress topper), as well as a small workspace and our little, free library. (Take a book; leave a book.) Both bedrooms have ceiling fans and extra blankets so you can find just the right level of cozy. It’s country quiet out here. You won’t hear much traffic, but the owls refuse to abide by quiet hours, the coyotes sing as they please, and the song birds hold a daily chorus. (Also, there’s the rooster…you probably won’t hear him from the cottage, but I cannot convince him to stay on any kind of reasonable crowing schedule…) The kitchen is well-equipped. Cooking supplies. Baking supplies. Pots. Pans. Utensils. Wine glasses and coffee supplies. (You get the idea.) The back patio overlooks the oaks and woods and is a perfect spot to drink your morning coffee and listen to the birds. (They put on quite a concert out here.) WiFi is available, but it is the country; sometimes it’s on the slower side. No guest pets allowed—we have to prioritize the safety of our furry friends—but please note that the sheets, towels, etc do get washed in the main house where dogs and cats are residents Please be mindful of our neighbors and keep the volume respectable. Please be aware of wildlife that might be about, as well as other cars as you come and go (there’s enough space for two cars to pass on our private drive but both need to be paying attention) Guest access The cottage and the patio are tucked away from the main house and barns and offer quite a bit of privacy. Our backyard and garden is visible from the patio. You will probably sometimes see our three dogs running around their fenced yard from your vantage point. Guest are welcome to walk the farm lane along the pastures. We simply ask that they not enter the pastures, not open any closed gates, and not feed the animals, no matter what they try to tell you. Other things to note The listing states East Peoria, but please be aware that this is due to the postal code. In reality, we are on the very north end of Spring Bay. Travel time to Peoria and East Peoria is usually 20 minutes or so. Roughly 45-50 minutes to Bloomington. 2.5 to 3 hours from Chicago